Sunday, October 8, 2023

Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion by Charles R. Smith Jr. and Leo Espinosa - OPTIONAL

Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion by Charles R. Smith Jr, illustrated by Leo Espinosa. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2023. $19. 9781536214987

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

At the dawn of the 1900’s, Marshall “Major” Taylor was the first black hit many important milestones in the world of competitive cycling. His big break came when he participated in a 6-day endurance race in New York City in 1896.

Major Taylor needs to be known, but the best part of this book, besides the illustrations, is the back matter, with Major’s Story. I dare you not to cry. Smith starts out his in-page text normally, but then breaks into a more poetic style that lacks structure and rhymes in weird patterns, distracting from, rather than enhancing, the storyline. I would not enjoy reading this out loud.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS


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